NORTH OF BOSTON
Summer North of Boston is filled with many cultural activities and happenings. From musical performances to art fairs there is something for everyone. For more information on arts & culture North of Boston, visit www.escapesnorth.com
Blue Ocean Music Hall summer schedule
JUNE
June 2 - 12: Hair - The American Tribal Love Rock Musical playing at the Marblehead Little Theatre. Salem Theatre Company, (978) 790-8546
June 3 - 19: The Way Life Should Be - a birth mother reunites with her adult biological son, The Actors Studio of Newburyport, (978) 465-1229
June 4 - 6: Salem Arts Festival - interactive festival promoting all arts from visual to performance, Salem Main Streets, (978) 744-0004
June 10 - July 18: 29th Rockport Chamber Music Festival - this year in the new Shalin Liu Performance Center - 20 world-class soloists and ensembles including pianists Garrish Ohlsson, David Deveau and Marc-Andre Hamlin; violinist Midori; and the Brentano and Borromeo String Quartets., Rockport Music, (978) 546-7391
June 11 - Oct. 24: "Gilded Age Glamour: A visit to the Dressmaker"- view over a dozen elegant period couture gowns in a 19th century dressmaker’s shop, Wenham Museum, (978) 468-2377
June 19: Arts Fest Beverly - outdoor festival showcases 100+ fine artists and crafters, entertainment, food and kids' crafts, Beverly Main Streets, (978) 922-8558
June 23 - 27: St. Peter’s Fiesta - five day festival honoring the patron saint of the fisherman St. Peter. Blessing of the Fleet, religious activities, music, food, sporting events, and parade, St. Peter's Fiesta Committee, Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, (978) 283-1601
JULY
July 1 - 5: Marblehead Festival of Arts - painting, crafts, photography, sculpture, printmaking, drawing, kite flying, sandcastle building, theater, poetry, stories, film and performing arts and more.
July 10: Newburyport Riverfront Music Festival - annual outdoor concert, sponsored by WXRV 92.5 The River, with national recording artists performing in scenic Waterfront Park, Newburyport Chamber, (978) 462-6680
July 10 - Oct. 16: “Rockport in the Arts, 1930s,” Cape Ann Museum, (978) 283-0455
July 15 - 18: Moments of Play New Play Festival, Salem Theatre Company, (978) 790-8546
July 24: Violinist Regina Carter, Rockport Music, (978) 546-7391
July 24: Manchester Arts Festival, Manchester, Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, (978) 283-1601
July 31: Paquito D’Rivera (clarinet/saxophone) and Synchronicity (percussion and piano duo), Rockport Music, (978) 546-7391
AUGUST
Aug. 2 - 8: Heritage Days - week-long celebration of Salem’s multicultural history, music, theatre, parade, and fireworks, Destination Salem, (978) 741-3252
Aug. 6-14: Newburyport Chamber Music Festival - classical chamber music concert series with receptions, open rehearsals, lectures and a children's concert, Newburyport Chamber Music, (978) 463-9776
Aug. 7: Rockport-born singer songwriter Paula Cole, Rockport Music, (978) 546-7391
Aug. 8: The Bill Charlap Trio, Rockport Music, (978) 546-7391
Aug. 14 - 15: Waterfront Festival - over 150 artisans and craftspeople, food, music, at Stage Fort Park, Cape Ann Chamber (978) 283-1601
Aug. 14 - 15: Essex Street Fair - crafts, jewelry, paintings, stained glass, etc., Salem Chamber, (978) 744-0004
Aug. 14 - 15: Improv on the Bricks - free outdoor improvisation at Derby Square and Front Street, Salem Theatre Company, (978) 790-8546
Aug. 14: Annual Auction Gala - original, juried paintings and drawings by 300+ artist members, North Shore Arts Association, (978) 283-1857
Aug. 21-22: Salem Jazz & Soul Festival - free, family-friendly event features 2 days of live music, music education, classes, kid's play tent and more, Salem Willows.
Aug. 28 (Aug. 29 rain date): Summer Fair - open market featuring North Shore’s best crafters, food, artisans and family activities, Wenham Museum, (978) 468-2377
GREATER MERRIMACK VALLEY
MAY
Doors Open Lowell
May 14-16
Doors Open Lowell offers an insider’s look into the preservation of over thirty of Lowell’s magnificent historic buildings. It’s a free event held during National Preservation Month to celebrate Lowell’s architectural heritage and urban living and culture. Together these have made Lowell a creative and exciting place to live and work.
Western Avenue Studios Open Artist Studios
First Saturday of each month, 12 - 5 pm
Visit the studios of over 120 working artists. See demonstrations, talk to the artists and purchase art to take home. Free.
Lexington Open Artist Studios
May 15-16
The 2nd annual Lexington Open Artist Studios Event will feature arts and crafts from over 100 artists.
Heritage Farm Summer Concert Series
May - September
Free concerts every Monday night at Lowell's Sampas Pavilion.
Fruitlands Museum Jazz After Hours
Wednesday evenings at 5:30 pm during May and June
Hear live jazz by Indian Hill Music in the beautiful surroundings of Harvard's Fruitlands museum. $10, cash bar available.
JUNE
Lexington Summer Music Series
June - September
Free live music every Friday evening on the lawn of the Lexington Visitors Center on Mass. Ave.
Lowell Summer Music Series
June - September
See nationally famous artists outdoors at Lowell's Boardinghouse Park every Thurs - Sun all summer long.
Lowell Summer Music Children's Series
June - September
Free shows for kids every Thursday morning all summer long at Lowell's Boardinghouse Park.
JULY
Lowell Folk Festival
July 23- 25
This three day festival is the largest free folk festival in the United States. The festival includes delicious cuisines, children's activities, and live bands throughout the downtown with street parades on Friday and Saturday evening.
Downtown Lowell
978-970-5200
AUGUST
Lowell Quilt Festival
August 12 - 14
A city-wide celebration of quilts featuring displays, classes, vendors and more.
Southeast Asian Water Festival
August 21, 2010
The Lowell Southeast Asian Water Festival, Inc. is dedicated to the preservation, protection and sharing of the cultural heritages of the Southeast Asian Americans of New England.
